Hand Drill, weak crank

[Sir Percy]

Hi there, I've come asking for some advice on my hand drill. It's a Miller's Falls, no idea of model, but the crank appears to have a weak point around the screw hole where it is fixed to the outer edge of the drive wheel. Apologies if I've used the incorrect terminology...

I picked it up the other day, and it was bent inwards at this point, towards the handle. Thoughtlessly, I bent it outwards to straighten it out, not thinking that it might crack and snap off in my hand. Fortunately, it didn't - but I've probably weakened it even more now.

What should I do? Try and replace the crank?

Like this one at dubyadubyadubya antique-used-tools com/MF1Drill.jpg

Ta for any advice
Cheers!

 

[Bod]

Make a new crank, whilst you have the correct shape and size from the old one.
Getting a new one will be impossible, if really lucky, an old one that can be robbed.

Bod

 

[Vann]

If you're just worried that you've work-hardened it, you could anneal it by heating red hot and allowing to cool.

If you felt it 'letting go' as you bent it back then there are probably fractures it the steel. Then you would have to weld it, file and polish it to get it back to looking original - or make a new one.

Or just keep using it and see if it breaks :shock: .

Two more posts and then you can post pictures and links.

Cheers, Vann.

 

[Mike.S]

Like this one at dubyadubyadubya antique-used-tools com/MF1Drill.jpg

This the link?

 

[clauskeller]

Its a bit difficult to give advice without seeing some pictures of the damage. But I would probably braze it, because its easier than welding and can be done with cheap equipment.

Claus

 

[Sir Percy]

I found this on georges basement website re MF hand drills:

The cast iron cranks occasionally bend but rarely break; however, they are weakly pinned to the main gear's shaft.

 

[Sir Percy]

This the link?

Yes, that's the fella. I guess I ought to be able to post a picture now.